Apparatus for contacting fluids and solids

ABSTRACT

Methods and apparatus for contacting solids and fluids are provided, where the fluids are allowed to traverse a downward path through a plurality of vertically arranged chambers in which said solids are located. The solids may be transferred upwardly through the chambers to assure optimal contact between the solids and the fluids. The transfer of the solids may be accomplished by fluidizing the solids and transporting them in a carrier fluid in a fluid flow loop. At the desired transfer location, the solids are prevented from completing passage through the fluid loop.

This application is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 07/702,755, filed May 20, 1991, now U.S. Pat. No. 5,124,043, which is a continuation of application Ser. No. 07/485,614, filed Feb. 27, 1990, now abandoned which is a continuation of application Ser. No. 06/939,697, filed Dec. 9, 1986, now U.S. Pat. No. 4,906,361 and is a continuation of application Ser. No. 07/665,312, filed Mar. 6, 1991, now abandoned, which is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 07/485,614, filed Feb. 27, 1990 abandoned.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to methods and apparatus for treating particulate solids and fluids through facilitation of contact between a fluid and a particulate solid contact media, or between a particulate solid and a treatment fluid. The methods and apparatus in accordance with the present invention are particularly well suited for use in ion exchange operations wherein a fluid is contacted with a fluidizable solid ion exchange media such as a resin; or with filtration or adsorption operations where the fluids are contacted with a media such as activated carbon; or where exhausted contact media is regenerated by bringing the contact media in contact with a regeneration fluid.

Ion exchange processes for treating fluids are well known. Such ion exchange operations may include, for example; “water softening”, deionization, de-alkylizing, disilicizing, and organic scavenging. With respect to the present invention, these ion exchange processes will, for convenience, be discussed in terms of water treatment through use of resins. It should be clearly understood, however, that the methods and apparatus of the present invention may be utilized in the treatments of many other fluids, or may be utilized to treat any of a number of particulate solids, including, for example, the regeneration of contact media other than resins.

Typically, an ion exchange process is effected by flowing the water through a vertical column of an ion exchange contact media, typically a resin. As the water contacts the resin, ions in the water will be attracted to the resin from the water. One type of resin may be utilized to remove cations from the water (i.e., a cation exchange resin); and a second type of resin may be utilized to remove anions from the water (i.e., an anion exchange resin). Preferably, the separate resins will be contained in separate beds. However, conventional techniques of water deionization include the use of two resins mixed in a single bed.

The softening of water by ion exchange is accomplished by replacing the calcium and magnesium ions in the water by an equivalent number of sodium ions from the resin. Resin in the bed will contain only a finite number of exchangeable sodium ions. This number defines the “capacity of the resin”. When the capacity of the resin has been exhausted, i.e., when all of the exchangeable sodium ions on the resin have been replaced by calcium and magnesium ions from the water, the resin must be regenerated back to the sodium form. This regeneration is typically accomplished by passing a sodium chloride solution (a brine) or a sodium hydroxide solution through the resin. Additionally, the resin will be rinsed to remove excess brine, and will be backwashed to remove particulate matter which may have accumulated in the resin during the ion exchange step (“the service cycle”).

As water flows through a bed of resin, the majority of the ion exchange will take place in the portion of the resin which is first contacted by the fluid. In an ion exchange system where the fluid flows downwardly through the bed, this exchange creates an “exhausted band” of exhausted resin which expands downwardly through the bed as the operation continues. When the band approaches the bottom of the resin bed, the bed must be regenerated as discussed above.

Additionally, a vertical column of resin operating in a service cycle has an exchange zone, or active band, starting at the top and moving down through the bed of resin. The width of the active band varies with certain operating parameters of the system. For example, as the service flow is increased the active band will spread out. The resin bed must be removed from service and regenerated before the active band reaches the bottom of the column to prevent leakage of the ions being removed from the fluid. This prevents full utilization of the resin since there is resin not fully exhausted in and below the active band. When a column of resin in normal operation is regenerated, sufficient regenerate (such as salt, in the case of water softening), is used to regenerate the entire volume regardless of what percent of the bed was actually exhausted.

Similarly, when a contact media, such as the previously described resin, is regenerated (to replace the exhausted supply of exchangeable ions), by flowing the regeneration fluid through a bed or column of resin, the majority of the ion exchange (i.e., regeneration) will take place in the portion of the resin which is first contacted by the regeneration fluid. Accordingly, in an ion exchange system where the regeneration fluid flows downwardly through the bed, the complete regeneration of the resin requires that relatively large volumes of regeneration fluid be directed through the bed if the resin at the bottom of the bed is to be completely regenerated.

Many conventional vertical ion exchange columns are designed to function both as a column for the service cycle, i.e., for the initial ion exchange process, and for the regeneration cycle, and therefore also include provisions for backwashing, regeneration, and rinsing of the resin. This structure requires the fluid influent to be shut off from the column while the regeneration operation takes place, thereby interrupting the supply to service of treated fluid. When an uninterrupted supply of treated fluid is required, a second vertical column is typically provided. This second column will be regenerating during the service cycle of the first column and vice versa Conventional columns typically include a shell to contain the resin, a support for the resin, and means for distributing flow both upwardly and downwardly through the resin, (for both the service cycle and the regeneration and backwashing cycles). The shell must have sufficient space above the resin to allow the resin to expand during the backwashing operation. Valves and controls are typically necessary to bypass “raw” (untreated) fluid around the column during the regeneration cycle, to inject the regeneration fluid into the column, and to reverse the direction of fluid flow for backwashing.

Conventional vertical columns may include several disadvantages. Where a single large resin bed is utilized, fluid has a tendency to channel through the bed during periods of low flow rate, thereby reducing the effective contact of the fluid with the resin. Additionally, the requirement of additional space above the resin bed to facilitate the backwashing operation adds cost to the vessel. Where uninterrupted service is required and a second unit is provided, the additional unit adds significant cost and size to the unit. A significant factor in this cost is that a control valve must be provided to switch fluid flow from one vessel to the other. This control valve must be large enough to provide a significant flow of the influent into the column without placing an excessive pressure drop in the system. Large control valves of this type typically contribute a significant portion of the cost of conventional ion exchange units. These valves still often place an undesirable pressure drop in the system.

If only one column is provided, in typical conventional systems, not only must the flow of treated water be interrupted, but untreated water must be used with the unit itself for the backwashing, regeneration, and rinsing operations. This use of untreated water will, in itself, decrease the operating efficiency of the contact media regeneration, and will therefore similarly decrease the efficiency of the ion exchange process.

Because of the deficiencies discussed above, several attempts have been made to devise methods and apparatus for an uninterrupted, or continuous, ion exchange process in a single column. Typically, these processes involve the movement of the contact media downwardly through the column or ion exchange vessel while the fluid flows upwardly through the column. In some cases, the resins are actually fluidized, or suspended, in the fluid flow. This upward flow, and especially fluidization, typically provide less than optimal ion exchange. A major factor in the efficiency of ion exchange process is the physical contact of the water molecules with the resin. With a downward fluid flow, both gravity and the influent flow serve to compact the resin into a tightly formed bed. This compacting of the bed forces the fluid to flow closer to the resin beads, causing surface effects on the water and forcing fluid to flow into the pores of the beads. This compacting of the bed, therefore, increases both contact efficiency and the bed capacity. In contrast, an upward flow, as found in the prior art, causes the resin to expand, as noted above, sometimes to the point of fluidization. This unpacked state of the resin causes a reduction in contact with the water. Additionally, even when a system is designed to operate with the resin not in a state of fluidization, flow rate surges must be prevented to avoid the fluidization.

As indicated above, conventionally proposed continuous ion exchange methods and apparatus typically move the resins downwardly through the exchange vessel. When each portion of the resin reaches a predetermined location in the vessel, the resin is removed and regenerated in a separate vessel. Therefore, for efficient use of the system and the contact media, the rate of travel of the media must be regulated in response to the rate of flow of the influent.

Conventionally proposed methods and apparatus for continuous ion exchange typically provide for contacting the fluid with a single resin in a vessel. However, for operations such as water deionization or demineralization, the water is typically contacted with two ion exchange resins in two stages. In the first stage, the water contacts a first resin which will attract the cations from the water and replace them with hydrogen ions. This first resin is typically regenerated with an acid. In the second stage, the fluid is contacted with a second resin which attracts the anions from the water and replaces them with hydroxide ions. This second resin is typically regenerated with a base, such as sodium hydroxide. The hydrogen ions from the first stage and the hydroxide ions from the second stage combine to produce water. Similarly, fluid may be contacted with selected resins for other treatment operations, such as deallylization, etc. Each of these resins will require a selected regenerization fluid. The fluid must, therefore, be treated with the different resins in different columns or with a mixture of the two resins. If a mixture of the resins is utilized, then the resins must be separated prior to regeneration.

Additionally, activated carbon is often utilized in fluid treatment operation. The activated carbon may be used to remove gases and other organic impurities giving taste and odor to drinking water. Activated carbon may be used as a pretreatment for water supplied to water softening systems to prevent organic fouling of the resin beds, and may also be utilized in waste water treatment Although activated carbon is not susceptible to being “regenerated” per se, the carbon periodically requires backwashing to remove suspended matter and to re-grade the bed. With conventionally proposed continuous water treatment operations, an activated carbon section must be contained within a separate vessel

Additionally, in many locations where deionized water is required in relatively small quantities, tanks containing resins without on-site regeneration capability are utilized. In such installations, the quality of the water is monitored for purity, and the tanks are replaced as the resins are exhausted. The tanks containing resins and activated carbon are generally referred to as “exchange” tanks. The exhausted resins in these tanks must be regenerated when exhausted.

One requirement of a regeneration facility is that it have provision for treating the water so that high purity water is available for use in various regeneration functions. Typically, a separate bed deionization unit is provided as the primary method of mineral ion removal. This deionization unit may also be used to “age” new resin before being placed in exchange tank service. This “aging” process consists of running the resin through a number of service and regeneration cycles to insure removal of excess chemicals left on the resin beads during manufacture.

Each type of resin will typically be regenerated by flowing a regenerant of an appropriate type over the resin For example, a cation exchange resin would be regenerated by flowing an acid regenerant, typically containing four to ten percent of hydrochloric acid across the resin. As the acid regenerant contacts the resin, hydrogen ions from the regenerant will be attracted to the resin and will replace the cations collected on the resin beads during service. Conversely, an anion exchange resin will be regenerated by flowing a basic or caustic regenerant across the resin.

As with the service cycle, a vertical column of resin in a regeneration cycle has an exchange zone or active band starting where the regenerant is introduced, and extending into the bed. As the active band extends through the column, exhaustion of the regenerant will become a consideration. When to discontinue the regeneration becomes an economic consideration. Allowing the regenerant to continue flowing until the entire bed is fully regenerated may require waste of a substantial volume of regenerant. Accordingly, conventional techniques of regenerating the resin typically not only operate relatively slowly but are less than optimally efficient, because of the waste of regenerant versus incomplete regeneration tradeoff discussed above.

Additionally, regeneration of most conventional resins requires an exposure time of the regenerant to the resin of approximately forty-five minutes to one hour. Conventional techniques, wherein a single bed is regenerated, therefore, typically require several hours, for example; two to three hours, to backwash, regenerate and rinse a column batch of resin.

Accordingly, the present invention provides a new method and apparatus for the continuous treatment of fluids in a single column wherein the contact media need not be treated until it is completely exhausted. Additionally, multiple contacting media may be utilized for different types of ionic exchange, adsorption or filtration in the column, and each may be regenerated without interrupting the continuous service flow. Also, this continuous fluid treatment can be performed with an optimal downward fluid flow. Further, contact media may be regenerated utilizing a relatively decreased volume of regeneration fluid, either as a part of a water treatment system, or as a separate regeneration facility; and regeneration may be performed essentially continuously on multiple batches of resin, thereby further optimizing efficiency of the regeneration process. The invention, thus, significantly overcomes the deficiencies presented by the prior art.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a new method and apparatus for the treatment of fluids where the fluid is treated by bringing it into contact with a contact media; and similarly, for the treatment of particulate solids, such as the regeneration of contact media, where the solid can be treated by bringing it into contact with a treatment fluid. An apparatus in accordance with the present invention includes a treatment vessel in which the treatment will occur. This treatment vessel preferably includes a plurality of vertically arranged chambers. Advantageously, these chambers are arranged in vertical alignment, such that fluid flowing from one chamber will flow directly into the next chamber. Each chamber includes, and is preferably at least partially defined by, members which will retain a solid media in the chamber but which will allow fluid to flow through.

Apparatus for treating fluids in accordance with the present invention will also preferably include a solids treatment system which is selectively in fluid communication with preferably each chamber in the treatment vessel. Apparatus for treating either fluids or solids will also include a transfer system preferably adapted to selectively transfer solids from any one of the chambers in the treatment vessel to another chamber, and to transfer the contents of any chamber from that chamber to the media treatment vessel.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, the transfer system will include a plurality of manifolds, each manifold including one or more valves. In this particularly preferred embodiment, conduits will be cooperatively arranged with each valve in the manifold to direct fluid from a conduit source through the manifold either through another valve or through a manifold port. Also in this particularly preferred embodiment, a plurality of pumps will be utilized to physically move the fluid during a solid media transfer operation. As will be seen from a discussion of particularly preferred embodiments, the movement of solids by the transfer system will be accomplished without passing the solid media through a pump. Conventional pump-actuated transfer systems typically cause damage to transferred solids as a result of being passed through a pump, and being thereby subjected to crushing forces.

In operation, the described particularly preferred embodiments allow fluid to be continuously treated in one or more chambers within the fluid treatment vessel while a portion of the contact media is either being treated, such as being ionically regenerated, such as in a media treatment vessel or exchange column, or is being transferred into another chamber in the fluid treatment vessel. Additionally, slugs of the contact media may be transferred from one chamber in the treatment vessel to another as desired. All these transfer operations may be either controlled manually or may be subject to automatic control.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1-6 schematically depict a first embodiment of a fluid treatment system in accordance with the present invention in various stages of one exemplary method of operation of the system.

FIG. 1 schematically depicts a fluid treatment system in accordance with the present invention in a service cycle, with no contact media being regenerated or transferred.

FIG. 2 schematically depicts the fluid treatment system of FIG. 1 wherein contact media from an uppermost chamber is being transferred to a media treatment vessel.

FIG. 3 depicts the fluid treatment system of FIG. 1 as contact media is being transferred from one chamber to another in the fluid treatment vessel.

FIG. 4 depicts the fluid treatment system of FIG. 1 as contact media is being transferred from one chamber in the fluid treatment vessel to another chamber.

FIG. 5 depicts the fluid treatment system of FIG. 1 as contact media is being transferred to the next adjacent chamber in the fluid treatment vessel.

FIG. 6 depicts the fluid treatment system of FIG. 1 as a slug of contact media is being transferred from the media treatment vessel into a chamber in the fluid treatment vessel.

FIGS. 7-11 schematically depict an alternative second embodiment of a fluid treatment system in accordance with the present invention in various stages of one exemplary state of operation.

FIG. 7 depicts the system in a service cycle, with no contact media being regenerated or transferred.

FIG. 8 depicts the fluid treatment system of FIG. 7 as contact media is being transferred from the fluid treatment vessel into the media treatment vessel.

FIG. 9 depicts the fluid treatment system of FIG. 7 as contact media is being transferred from one chamber in the fluid treatment vessel to a transfer vessel.

FIG. 10 depicts the fluid treatment system of FIG. 7, as the slug of contact media is being transferred from a transfer vessel into a chamber of the fluid treatment vessel.

FIG. 11 depicts the fluid treatment system of FIG. 7, as contact media is being transferred from the media treatment vessel into a chamber in a fluid treatment vessel.

FIG. 12 schematically depicts an alternative third embodiment of a fluid treatment system in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 13 depicts the fluid treatment system of FIG. 12, as contact media is being transferred from a chamber of the fluid treatment vessel into a media treatment vessel.

FIG. 14 schematically depicts an alternative fourth embodiment of a fluid treatment system in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 15 schematically depicts an exemplary embodiment of a contact media regeneration system, suitable for the regeneration of anionic and cation exchange resins, as well as for regeneration of mixed anionic and cation exchange resins.

FIG. 16 schematically depicts the cation resin regeneration system of FIG. 15, in greater detail.

FIG. 17 schematically depicts the anion resin regeneration system of FIG. 15, in greater detail.

FIG. 18 schematically depicts mixed bed cation and anion exchange resin regeneration system of FIG. 15, in greater detail.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring now to the drawings in more detail, and particularly to FIGS. 1-6, therein is depicted in schematic representation, in each figure, a fluid treatment system 10 in accordance with the present invention. FIG. 1 depicts fluid treatment system 10 in a service cycle, such as at an initial start of operation. FIGS. 2-6 depict fluid treatment system 10 during one type of an anticipated continuous fluid treatment operation.

System 10 includes an exchange column 12 which houses a plurality of contact media beds. As indicated earlier herein, these contact media beds may be formed of various substances, such as different resins or activated carbon, etc. For purposes of illustration, system 10 will be described as having four beds, each composed of a single type of resin. As depicted in FIG. 1, each chamber 14 a-14 d includes a bed formed of a slug 15 a-15 d, respectively, of resin. In this preferred embodiment, exchange column 12 includes a plurality of apertured plates 16 a-16 e, which define the upper and lower boundaries of the four chambers. Aperture plates 16 a-16 d each support one of the resin slugs, 15 a-15 d respectively. Aperture plate 16 e serves to distribute influent from inlet 18 evenly across slug 15 a. Additionally, as will be seen later herein, aperture plate 16 e serves as a “lid” to chamber 14 a to keep resin slug 15 a in chamber 14 a, just as apertured plate 16 a serves as a lid to chamber 14 b. Exchange column may be of a size appropriate for the particular application for which it is utilized. Accordingly, exchange column may range in diameter from several inches to several feet.

Fluid treatment system 10 includes a media treatment vessel or tank, such as regeneration tank 20. Regeneration tank 20 is preferably a conventional regeneration tank suitably sized for regeneration of the volume of resin contained in one resin bed 15 a-15 d. Regeneration tank 20 will be coupled to sources of an appropriate regeneration fluid in a conventional manner. The controls for regulating the flow of the regeneration fluids may also be regulated by conventional controls.

Column 12 and regeneration tank 20 are interconnected by a fluid and resin transfer system, indicated generally at 22. In one particularly preferred embodiment, transfer system 22 includes a transfer vessel or tank 24, pumps 26 and 28, manifolds, and a plurality of “lines”, or conduits. Transfer tank 24 is preferably appropriately sized to retain the volume of a resin slug 15 a-15 d as found in one resin bed in column 12. In one particularly preferred embodiment, transfer system 22 includes six manifolds, M23, M25, M27, M29, M31, and M33. Each manifold M23, M25, M27, M29, M31, M33 includes a plurality of valves. As will be described in more detail later herein, each valve is situated in a flow path formed by at least one conduit. These manifolds and the conduits provide a mechanism for selectively interconnecting exchange column 12, regeneration tank 20, transfer tank 24, and pumps 26 and 28. These selective interconnections, and the resulting creation of flow paths, facilitate the selective movement of fluid (and fluidized resin) from one portion of system 10 to another portion. As will be apparent from the discussion to follow, pumps 26 and 28 should be selected as to provide a sufficient flow rate of fluid to fluidize the resin or other contact media in chambers 14 a-14 d.

As will be apparent from the discussion to follow, each manifold M23, M25, M27, M29, M31, M33 may be of similar construction, differing primarily in the number of valves provided for. The purpose of each manifold is to allow the opening of one or more valves in the manifold, to conduct either fluid or fluidized resin to a desired location.

In fluid treatment system 10, column 12 includes a Resin-Out line 30 a, 30 b, 30 c, 30 d, communicating with each chamber, 14 a-14 d, respectively. Each Resin-Out line 30 a-30 d preferably communicates a resin outlet 31 a-31 d in lower portion of its respective chamber, 14 a-14 d, to a valve V32, V34, V36, or V38, respectively, in manifold M23. Manifold M23 also contains valve V40 which communicates through line 44 with transfer tank 24. Additionally, manifold M23 includes valve V42 which communicates through line 46 with inlet 48 of regeneration tank 20.

Manifold M25 couples lines 50 and 52, through valves V54 and V56, respectively, to manifold port 35. Port 35 communicates with the inlet of pump 26. Line 50 is coupled to fluid exit 58 of transfer vessel 24. Fluid exit 58 is protected by a strainer 60 to prevent the flow of resin through line 50. Line 52 is connected to fluid exit 62 of regeneration tank 20. Fluid exit 62 is similarly protected by a strainer 64 to prevent the flow of resin through line 52.

Manifold M27 selectively couples manifold port 65 to lines 66 and 68. Manifold port 65 communicates with the outlet of pump 28. Line 66 is coupled to fluid inlet 70 of transfer tank 24, while line 68 is coupled to fluid inlet 72 of regeneration tank 20.

Referring again to the fluid connections with exchange column 12, each chamber 14 a-14 d includes a resin inlet 74 a-74 d coupled through a respective Resin-In line 76 a-76 d to valves V78, V80, V82, V84, respectively, in manifold M25. Each resin inlet 74 a-74 d is preferably an upper portion of its respective chamber 14 a-14 d to facilitate the free transfer of resin through the line. Manifold M29 also includes valves V86 and V88. Valve V86 is connected to line 90 which is coupled to resin outlet 92 of transfer tank 24. Valve V88 is coupled to line 94 which is in turn coupled to resin outlet 96 of regeneration tank 20.

Each chamber bed 14 a-14 d of vessel 12 also includes a fluid outlet 95 a-95 d coupled to a Fluid-Out line 96 a-96 d, respectively. Fluid outlets 95 a-95 d are again protected by strainers 100 a-100 d to allow the passage of fluid, but to prevent the passage of resin into Fluid-Out lines 96 a-96 d. Fluid-Out lines 96 a-96 d are coupled to valves V102, V104, V106, and V108, respectively, in manifold M31. Manifold M31 also includes a port 140 coupled to the inlet of pump 28.

Each chamber 14 a-14 d of column 12 also includes a fluid inlet 112 a-112 d, respectively. Each fluid inlet 112 a-112 d is coupled through a respective Fluid-In line 114 a-114 d to a valve V116, V118, V120 and V122, respectively, in manifold M33. Manifold M33 includes a port 124 which is connected to the outlet of pump 26.

Influent passes into system 10 through fluid inlet 18. A valve V126 is preferably placed in fluid inlet 18 to provide a master control for the flow of untreated fluid into fluid treatment system 10. Similarly, a control valve V128 will preferably be placed at fluid exit 130 to provide a master shut-off of treated fluid from fluid treatment system 10.

In operation of system 10, the valves in manifolds M29 and M23 will have fluidized resin (or another contact media) flowing through them. Accordingly, it is preferable that these valves be of a design which will minimize damage to any media particles which might be in a valve when it closes. For example, valves wherein the sealing is effected at essentially a line-sealing surface will be less likely to crush particles then would a valve having a broad sealing surface. All valves in the manifolds may be manually operated. Preferably, however, system 10 will be operated automatically by a controller 131. Such automatic control may be provided by conventionally known mechanisms, such as microprocessor controls or mechanical controls. All valves in the manifolds may be individually operated by a variety of mechanisms, such as pneumatic or hydraulic controls, or electrical solenoids depending upon convenience and economy for a particular application. Where the operation of fluid treatment system 10 is to be controlled automatically, the controller 131 (microprocessor, etc.) may be utilized to operate the manifold valves and pumps through conventional actuation mechanisms for the particular system involved.

Additionally, the operation of system 10 may be controlled in response to various parameters, such as flow rate, time, etc. One particularly preferred means for controlling the operation of fluid treatment system 10 will be in response to a predetermined flow volume through exchange vessel 12. In many applications, the time that a resin bed is nearing exhaustion may be anticipated from the volume of fluid which is passed through the resin bed. Accordingly, where automatic control is to be initiated in response to a flow of fluid, a conventional flow meter 132 will be placed at fluid outlet 130. Upon measuring a predetermined flow volume, the output of flow meter 132 may be utilized to initiate system operations. Those skilled in the art will recognize that, alternatively, conventional sensors may be utilized in chambers 14 a-14 d to sense the condition of the fluid in the chambers and to thereby evaluate the condition of the contact media The output of these sensors can also is be utilized to initiate system operations.

Fluid treatment system 10 provides for a resin slug 15 a-15 d to be removed from its chamber 14 a-14 d in column 12 and to be regenerated in regeneration tank 20 without interruption of fluid flow through column 12. Referring now to FIG. 2, therein is depicted fluid treatment system 10 when resin slug 15 a from chamber 14 a is being removed from column 12 and placed in regeneration tank 20. To achieve this result, valves V32 and V42 in manifold M23 are opened to provide a path for resin in chamber 14 a to reach regeneration tank 20. Similarly, valve V56 in manifold M25 and valve V116 in manifold M33 are opened to provide a path for the fluid from regeneration tank 20, back into chamber 14 a in column 12. Simultaneously with the opening of these valves, pump 26 is activated. Pump 26 forces fluid through valve V116 and fluid inlet line 114 a into chamber 14 a. The input of this fluid fluidizes resin slug 14 a in chamber 14 a. The fluidized resin is then carried by the fluid through Resin-Out line 30 a, through manifold M23 and through line 46 into regeneration tank 20. Pump 26 will operate until all resin is moved from chamber 14 a of column 12 into regeneration tank 20. At such time, valves V32, V42, V56, and V116 will be closed and pump 26 will be deactivated. At this time, regeneration of resin slug 15 a may proceed in a conventional manner. The same control mechanism which deactivates (closes) the aforementioned valves may be utilized to initiate the regeneration cycle.

System 10 is further capable of allowing resin to be transferred from one chamber 14 a-14 d in column 12 to another whenever such transfer is desired. This transfer is accomplished essentially independently of the flow of fluid from inlet 18 through exchange column 12. In many applications, such as water softening operations, while exhausted resin is being regenerated, it will be optimal to move the resin from each chamber 14 a-14 d to the next highest chamber so that the regenerated resin may be placed in the lowest chamber.

Referring now to FIG. 3, there is depicted a fluid treatment system 10 when resin slug 15 b is being transferred from chamber 14 b to chamber 14 a. To accomplish this transfer, valves V34, V40, V54, V86, V102, and V118 are opened and pumps 26 and 28 are activated. The transfer operation proceeds as follows. Fluid from pump 26 passes through valve V118 and Fluid-In line 114 b into chamber 14 b in vessel 12. This fluid fluidizes the resin slug 15 b which is then drawn through resin outlet line 30 b, through manifold M23 and into transfer tank 24. Simultaneously, pump 28 will be drawing fluid from chamber 14 a through Fluid-Out line 96 a, and forcing the fluid through port 65 in manifold M27, line 66 and into transfer tank 24. Fluidized resin in transfer tank 24 will be drawn through resin outlet 92 and line 90, through manifold M29 and Resin-In line 76 a into chamber 14 a in column 12. Additional fluid in transfer tank 24 will be drawn through fluid exit 58, line 50 and manifold M25 and port 35 to supply pump 26.

Once the transfer of resin slug 15 b to chamber 14 a is complete, resin slug 15 c may be transferred from chamber 14 c to chamber 14 b. To complete this transfer, again pumps 26 and 28 are actuated so that fluidized resin passes from chamber 14 c in exchange vessel 12, through valves V36 and V40 in manifold M23 and into transfer tank 24. Resin passes from transfer tank 24, through line 90 and through valves V86 and V80 in manifold M29 and through Resin-In line 76 b into chamber 14 b. Simultaneously, fluid from chamber 14 b passes through Fluid-Out line 96 b, through valve V104, and is forced by pump 28 through port 65 and valve V67 in manifold M27 into transfer tank 24. Fluid then exits transfer tank 24 through fluid exit 58 and passes through line 50, and valve V54 and port 35 in manifold M25 to pass to the inlet of pump 26.

Resin may be transferred from chamber 14 d to 14 c through a similar operation. As can be seen from FIG. 5, this step is accomplished in a manner similar to that described with respect to the transfer from chamber 14 c to 14 b. To transfer fluid from chamber 14 d to 14 c, both pumps 26 and 28 will again be activated and the following valves will be opened: V52, V86 (in manifold M29), valves V38 and V40 (in manifold M23), valve V54 (in manifold M25), valve V67 (in manifold M27), valve V106 (in manifold M31), and valve V122 (in manifold M33).

Referring now also to FIG. 6, once resin slugs 15 b, 15 c , and 15 d have been transferred from chambers 14 b, 14 c, and 14 d to chambers 14 a, 14 b, 14 c, respectively, then the regenerated resin slug 15 a may be transferred from regeneration tank 20 to chamber 14 d. This transfer is accomplished by actuating pump 28 and by opening valves V69, V88, V84, and V108. This causes fluid to be drawn from chamber 14 d through Fluid-Out line 96 d and forced by pump 28, through port 65 and valve V69 into fluid inlet 72 of regeneration tank 20. This fluid fluidizes resin slug 15 a in regeneration tank 20. The suction of pump 28 draws fluidized resin slug 15 a out outlet 96, through line 94 and valves V88 and V84 in manifold M29 and into chamber 14 d in exchange column 12. When the resin transfer is complete, then, again, all valves may be closed and pump 28 deactivated. When resin slug 15 b in chamber 14 a requires regeneration, then the above process may be repeated. Because system 10 is filled with fluid, the movement of fluid for the resin transfer operations does not affect the service flow output. Accordingly, all of these operations and subsequent resin transfers and regeneration operations may be accomplished without interrupting the services flow from system 10.

Referring now to FIG. 7, therein is depicted a fluid treatment system 140 including a modified fluid transfer system, indicated generally at 142. Fluid treatment system 140 includes the same exchange column 12 (with modified fluid inlets), regeneration tank 20 and transfer tank 24. Accordingly, these elements and their associated components are numbered similarly in this alternative embodiment. For clarity of explanation, all components in the transfer system, including the pumps, manifolds, valves, and conduits or lines are identified with previously unused numerals.

One difference presented between fluid treatment system 140 and fluid treatment system 10 is that communication with chambers 14 a-14 d in column 12 is accomplished through a single pair of lines per chamber, a fist set of lines 144 a-144, coupled, respectively, to each chamber 14 a-14 d, and a second pair of lines 146 a-146 d also coupled, respectively, to each chamber 14 a-14 d. Lines 144 a-144 d are all coupled to valves in manifold M141. Manifold M141 includes a first port 150 coupled to the outlet of a pump 152, and a second port 154 coupled to the inlet of pump 156. Lines 146 a-146 d are coupled to valves V148, V150, V152, and V154 in manifold M164. Manifold M164 also includes four additional valves, V156, V158, V160, and V162. Valve V156 is coupled through line 166 to inlet 45 of transfer tank 24. Valve V158 is coupled through line 168 to inlet 48 of regeneration tank 20. Valve V160 is coupled through line 170 to resin outlet 92 of transfer tank 24. Valve V162 is coupled through line 172 to resin outlet 96 of regeneration tank 20.

Manifold M141 includes four valves, V143, V145, V147, and V149 connected, respectively, to fluid inlet lines 144 a-144 d. Each line 144 a-144 d includes a strainer 151 a-151 d to prevent the passage of resin into each line. The outlet of pump 156 is coupled to port 159 of manifold M174 which includes valves V176 and V178. Valve V176 is coupled through line 180 to inlet 70 of transfer tank 24. Valve V178 is coupled through line 182 to inlet 72 of regeneration tank 20. Fluid exit 58 of transfer tank 24 is coupled through line 186 to valve V188 in manifold M190. Manifold M190 also includes valve V192 and an outlet port 194. Port 194 is coupled to the inlet of pump 152, while valve V192 is coupled through line 196 to fluid outlet 62 of regeneration tank 20.

Referring now also to FIG. 8, when regeneration of resin slug 15 a in chamber 14 a is to take place, the resin slug is transferred to regeneration tank 20. The transfer of resin from chamber 14 a to regeneration tank 20 is accomplished by activating pump 152 and opening valves V143, V148, V158, and V192. Fluid flows from pump 152, through manifold 148 and line 144 a into chamber 14 a, thereby fluidizing resin slug 15 a. The suction of pump 152 pulls the fluidized resin out line 146 a and manifold M164 and through line 168 into regeneration tank 20. Fluid then returns through line 196 and manifold M190 to the inlet of pump 152. When the resin transfer is completed, pump 152 is deactivated and the four aforementioned valves are closed.

Referring now also to FIG. 9, as with the previous embodiment, once regeneration of fluid slug 15 a is begun, it will typically be optimal to transfer the resin slugs in each chamber 14 b-14 d to the next highest chamber, 14 a-14 c. Transfer of resin slug 15 b from chamber 14 b to 14 a is accomplished by activating pump 152 and opening valves V145, V150, V156, and V188. Fluid from pump 152 passes through manifold M141 and line 144 b into chamber 14 b, fluidizing resin slug 15 b. The fluidized resin passes out line 146 b, through manifold M164 and line 166 into transfer tank 24. Fluid then passes from transfer tank 24, through line 186, and manifold M190 to the inlet of pump 152. When all resin from chamber 14 b is located in transfer tank 24, valves V145, V150, V156, and V188 are closed and pump 152 is deactivated.

Referring now also to FIG. 10, to transfer the resin from transfer tank 24 to chamber 14 a, then, pump 156 is activated, and valves V143, V148, V176, and V160 are opened. Pump 156 then draws fluid from chamber 14 a, forcing fluid through line 159, manifold M174 and line 180 into transfer tank 24, and simultaneously drawing resin in fluid transfer tank 24 through line 170, manifold M164 and line 146 a into chamber 14 a While regeneration of resin slug 15 a in regeneration tank 20 is taking place, resin can be transferred from chamber 14 c to 14 b and from chamber 14 d to 14 c, each transfer being performed in a manner similar to that just described.

Referring now also to FIG. 11, therein is shown fluid treatment system 140 when regenerated resin slug 15 a is being transferred from regeneration tank 20 to chamber 14 d. The transfer is accomplished by activating pump 156 and by opening valves V178, V162, V154, and V149. Pump 156 draws fluid from line 144 d through manifold M141, and forces the fluid through line 159, manifold M174 and line 182 into regeneration tank 20. Simultaneously, fluidized resin is drawn through line 184, manifold M164 and line 146 d into chamber 14 d, until the resin transfer is complete.

Referring now to FIGS. 12 and 13, therein is schematically depicted another embodiment of a water treatment system 200 in accordance with the present invention. Water treatment system 200 is of a type which would be especially suitable for operations such as deionizing water. In this type of operation, typically, a first resin will be used to remove cations from the water line and a second resin will be used to remove anions from the water. Additionally, as indicated earlier herein, often it is desirable to use a substance such as activated carbon as a pre-deionization treatment. Accordingly, fluid treatment system 200 represents one form of an apparatus for water deionization. Fluid treatment system 200 includes beds composed of three different contact media In one optional embodiment as will be described here, these beds will include two beds of activated carbon and three beds of a cation exchange resin alternated with three beds of an anion exchange resin The theory of transfer of the various contact media in system 200 is similar to that already described with respect to water treatment system 10 (FIGS. 1-6) and 140 (FIGS. 7-11). Accordingly, only exemplary operations will be described here.

Fluid treatment 200 includes exchange column 202, a cation regeneration tank 204, an anion regeneration tank 206, a backflush tank 208 and a fluid transfer system, indicated generally at 210.

Exchange column 202 is constructed similarly to exchange column 12 of FIGS. 1-7, the primary difference being that exchange vessel 202 includes nine aperture plates 212 a-212 i defining eight chambers 214 a-214 h. In the depicted embodiment, upper chambers 214 a and 214 b include beds formed of slugs of activated charcoal 216 a, 216 b, respectively. Chambers 214 c, 214 e, and 214 g include beds formed of slugs of a first resin, such as a cation exchange resin 218 a, 218 b, 218 c while chambers 214 d, 214 f and 214 h include beds formed of a second resin, such as an anion exchange resin, 220 a, 220 b, 220 c. Cation regeneration tank 204 and anion regeneration tank 206 are again conventional regeneration tanks. As discussed earlier herein, activated charcoal is not susceptible to being regenerated. However, activated charcoal often needs to be backflushed to remove particulate matter and organic impurities accumulated during treatment. Accordingly, backflush tank 208 is provided for this purpose. Backflush tank 208 will be essentially a conventional apparatus which need only have provisions for a backflushing operation Backflush tank may be a conventional regeneration tank.

Fluid transfer system 210 includes transfer tank 222, pumps 224 and 226 and six manifolds, M228, M230, M32, M234, M236 and M238. Each manifold again includes a plurality of valves. Manifold M228 includes valves V242, V244, V246, V248, V250, V252, and V256, which are each connected to lines 258 a-258 h, respectively. Manifold M228 also includes a port 260 coupled to the outlet of pump 224. If it is desired to keep the different contact media separate during transfers, multiple transfer tanks, one for each media, may be provided, coupled to the manifolds in the manner depicted for transfer tank 204.

Manifold M230 includes eight valves, V262, V264, V266, V268, V270, V272, V274 and V276 coupled respectively to fluid outlet lines 278 a-278 h. Each fluid outlet line 278 a-278 h is, again, protected by a strainer 280 a-280 h in its respective chamber 214 a-214 h in exchange column 202. Manifold M230 also includes port 282 coupled to the inlet of pump 226.

Manifold M232 includes valves V234, V236, V238, V240, V242, V244, V246, V248 coupled to resin inlet lines 258 a-258 h respectively. Manifold M232 also includes valves V250, V252, V254 and V256. Valve V250 is coupled to line 260 which is coupled to media outlet 262 of transfer vessel 222. Valve V252 is coupled to line 264 which is coupled to resin outlet 266 of cation regeneration tank 204. Valve V254 is coupled to line 268 which is coupled to resin outlet 270 of anion regeneration tank 206. Valve V256 is coupled to line 272 which is coupled to outlet 274 of backflush tank 208.

Manifold M236 includes valves V276, V278, V280 and V282. Manifold M236 also includes a port 284 coupled to the outlet of pump 226. Valve V276 is coupled through line 286 to fluid inlet 288 of transfer tank 222. Valve V278 is coupled through line 290 to fluid inlet 292 of cation regeneration tank 204. Valve V280 is coupled through line 294 to fluid inlet 296 of anion regeneration tank 206. Valve V282 is coupled through line 298 to fluid inlet 300 of backflush tank 208.

Manifold M238 includes valves V302, V304, V306 and V308. Manifold M238 also includes port 310 coupled to the inlet of pump 224. Valve V302 is coupled through line 312 to fluid outlet 314 of transfer tank 222. Valve V304 is coupled through line 318 to fluid outlet 320 of cation regeneration tank 204. Valve V306 is coupled through line 322 to fluid outlet 324 of anion regeneration tank 206. Valve V308 is coupled through line 326 to fluid outlet 328 of backflush tank 208. Fluid outlets 314, 320, 324, and 328 of transfer tank 222, cation regeneration tank 204, anion regeneration tank 206 and backflush tank 208 are each protected by strainers 316, 321, 325 and 327, respectively.

Manifold M234 includes valves V330, V332, V334, V336, V338, V340, V342 and V344 coupled to Media-Out lines 353 a-353 h, respectively. Manifold M234 also includes valves V346, V348, V350 and V352. Valve V346 is coupled through line 354 to media inlet 356 of transfer tank 222. Valve V348 is coupled through line 358 to resin inlet 360 of cation regeneration tank 204. Valve V350 is coupled through line 362 to resin inlet 364 of anion regeneration tank 206. Valve V352 is coupled through line 366 to media inlet 368 of backflush tank 208.

Referring now to FIG. 13, therein is depicted fluid treatment system 200 when activated carbon slug 216 a is being transferred to backflush tank 208 for cleaning (i.e., backflushing). To accomplish this transfer, pump 224 is activated and valves V242, V330, V352 and V308 are opened. Fluid forced by pump 224 through manifold M228 and fluid inlet line 258 a fluidizes the activated carbon in chamber 214A. Suction from pump 224 draws fluidized slug 216 a through Media-Out line 353 a, through manifold M234 and line 366 and into backflush tank 208. As with previous operation, once the transfer is complete, the valves can be closed and pump 224 deactivated. In the depicted embodiment, the activated carbon would preferably be returned to its original chamber in exchange column 202 after backflushing. Where only two beds of a particular media are utilized, there is typically no need to move the slugs from one bed to another. If an operator desired to progressively move the activated carbon beds toward the fluid inlet as one bed was being regenerated, it would be advantageous to add an additional bed of activated carbon. An additional bed of activated carbon would assure that while one bed was being backflushed and another bed was being transferred to the next highest chamber, there would still be a remaining bed of complete depth, remaining generally compacted, through which the influent would pass.

When the activated carbon is to be returned to chamber 214 a, pump 226 would be activated and valves V262, V282, V256 and V234 would be opened. The cleansed activated carbon may then flow with the fluid along this path back into chamber 214A in exchange vessel 202.

The transfer and regeneration of the resins in chambers 214 c-214 h will be accomplished in a manner similar to that described with respect to the activated carbon in chambers 214 a and 214 b, and with respect to the resin beds in fluid treatment system 10 of FIGS. 1-6. Those skilled in the art will recognize that cation resin slugs 218 a, 218 b, and 218 c situated in chambers 214 c, 214 e, and 214 g will be transferred to cation regeneration tank 204 for regeneration while the anion resin slugs 220 a, 220 b, and 220 c in chambers 214 d, 214 f, and 214 h will be transferred to anion regeneration tank 206 for regeneration.

Referring now to FIG. 14, therein is depicted a fluid transfer system 400 such as might advantageously be utilized for conventional water softening operations where a single contact media is utilized. Water treatment system 400 includes an exchange column 402 including two vertically aligned chambers 403 a, 403 b, again defined by apertured plates 404 a, 404 b and 404 c. Fluid treatment system 400 includes a regeneration tank 406 and a fluid transfer system indicated generally at 408. Fluid transfer system 408 includes pumps 410 and 412, manifold 413 and 415 and manifolds formed essentially of single valves 218 and 220. Because fluid treatment system 400 includes only two chambers 403 a, 403 b, and at least one section will be filled with the contact media at any one time, there is no advantage to be gained by transferring the media from one chamber to another and no transfer vessel is necessary. Fluid treatment system 400 is constructed similarly to system 140 of FIGS. 7-11 in that each chamber includes two access lines 414 a, 414 b and 416 a, 416 b. Manifold 413 includes two valves V422, V424, coupled, respectively, to access line 414 a and 414 b. Manifold 413 includes a first port 427 coupled to the outlet of pump 410. Manifold 413 also includes a second port 429 coupled to the inlet of pump 412.

Manifold 415 includes valve V426, V428, V430, and V432. Valves V426 and V428 are coupled, respectively, to access line 416 a and 416 b. Valve V430 is coupled, through media line 431 to media outlet 433 or regeneration tank 406. Valve V432 is coupled through line V435 to media inlet 437 of regeneration tank 406. Single valve manifold 418 includes a port 436 coupled to the outlet of pump 412, and is connected to line 438 connected to fluid inlet 439 of regeneration tank 406. Single valve manifold 420 has a port 440 coupled to the inlet of pump 410, and is coupled to a line 442 which extends to fluid outlet 444 of regeneration tank 406. Fluid movement will be accomplished in a manner generally similar to that previously described, particularly with reference to the discussion of fluid treatment system 140 of FIGS. 7-11. When the contact media is to be moved from regeneration tank 406 to column 402, pump 412 will be activated and valve 418 will be opened, as well as the appropriate valve, V422 or V424, in manifold M413. Additionally, valve 430, and either valve V426 or V428 in manifold 415 will be opened. The action of pump 412 will then effect the media transfer. When the contact media is to be transferred from vessel 402 a to regeneration tank 406, pump 410 will be activated, valves 420 and V432 will be opened along with the appropriate valves V426 or 428, and V422 or V424.

Referring now to FIG. 15, therein is depicted an exemplary embodiment of an apparatus for treatment of particulate solids, specifically in the form of a contact media regeneration system 500 adapted for the regeneration of anion and cation exchange resins, as well as for regeneration of mixed anion and cation exchange resins. Contact media regeneration system 500 preferably includes a fluid treatment system 502, which may be essentially identical to fluid treatment system 10 described previously herein. Fluid treatment system 502 is utilized to provide water for selected operations during resin regeneration cycles in regeneration system 500. Contact media regeneration system 500 also includes a supply system for acid regenerant 504 for regeneration of cation exchange resin; and a supply system for caustic regenerant 506 for regeneration of anion exchange resin Contact media regeneration system 500 further includes a cation exchange resin regeneration system 508, operatively coupled to acid regenerant supply 504; and an anion exchange resin regeneration system 510 operatively coupled to caustic regenerant supply 506.

In this preferred embodiment, contact media regeneration system 500 also includes facilities for regeneration of mixed beds of anion and cation contact media These facilities include a generally conventional separation system 512 operatively coupled to a mixed bed cation resin regeneration system 514 and a mixed bed anion resin regeneration system 516. System 500 further includes a water recovery vessel 518, which is utilized to supply much of the water utilized to operate the system, and a waste vessel 520 for collecting particulate matter and liquid waste products for neutralizing before being discharged.

Fluid treatment system 502, utilized for providing pure water for selected operations of system 500, is substantially the same as fluid treatment system 10 discussed earlier herein, and will only briefly be described here, for purposes of clarity of the operation of system 500. Water to be treated is communicated through an inlet 530, where it preferably passes through a particulate filter 532 and a carbon filter 534. The influent then continues to enter the top of exchange column 536, where it passes downwardly through a plurality of beds of alternating anion and cation exchange resins, in a manner previously described. The treated fluid passes through discharge conduit 538, and will preferably be directed through a further carbon filter 540 and a mixed bed deionizing chamber 542. The water so treated will then pass to a conduit 544 for distribution for further use in the system such as in acid regenerant mixing vessel 546 and caustic regenerant mixing vessel 548.

Acid regenerant supply 504 includes a storage tank 550 for concentrated acid which is connected, such as through a conduit 552 containing a pump P554, to acid regenerant mixing vessel 546. The acid from tank 550 will be mixed with deionized water from conduit 544 in mixing vessel 546, to an appropriate concentration for use as a regenerant. The mixed acid regenerant will then be transferred, such as through use of pump P556 to a pressurized distribution vessel 558. Pressurized distribution vessel 558 is operatively associated with an inlet valve V560, an air valve V562, and a discharge valve V564. Regeneration fluid from mixing vessel 546 may be admitted into chamber 558 by opening valve V560 while maintaining valves V562 and V564 in a closed state. Subsequently, valve V560 may be closed, and valve V562 may be opened, thereby admitting pressurized air from an air inlet conduit 566 to vessel 558 to pressurize the fluid therein. Subsequent, opening of valve V564 will allow communication of the regenerant through conduit 566 to cation exchange resin regeneration system 508 and mixed bed cation regeneration system 514.

Caustic regenerant supply 506 includes components corresponding to those described for acid regenerant supply 504. Caustic regenerant supply 506 includes a caustic storage tank 570 in communication, through a conduit 572 including a pump P574, with caustic regenerant mixing vessel 548. Mixing vessel 548 is in fluid communication through a conduit 575, including a pump P576, with pressurized distribution chamber 578. A valve V580 is associated with conduit 575. Similarly, a valve V582 is operatively associated with an air inlet conduit 586 coupled to a supply of pressurized air. An outlet valve V584 is coupled in discharged conduit 586 from chamber 578. Conduit 586 extends both to anion regeneration system 510 and mixed bed anion regeneration system 516.

Cation exchange resin regeneration system 508 and anion exchange resin regeneration system 510 are of essentially identical construction. Cation exchange resin regeneration system 508 will be described in reference to FIG. 16, wherein it is depicted in greater detail. Cation exchange resin regeneration system 508 includes an exchange column 600 which will house a plurality of resin beds, and is constructed in essentially the same manner as previously described with respect to system 10. Exchange column 600 includes a plurality of apertured plates 602 a-602 i which define the upper and lower boundaries of eight chambers 603 a-603 h. Exchange column 600 may have either a greater or lesser number of chambers, as design parameters make desirable. Exchange column 600 is operatively associated with a resin inlet manifold, indicated generally at 604, and a resin outlet manifold, indicated generally at 606. Additionally, associated with exchange column 600 is a transfer fluid inlet manifold, indicated generally at 608, and a transfer fluid outlet manifold, indicated generally at 610.

A first transfer tank 612 is operatively associated with manifolds 604, 606, 608, and 610, and operates in substantially the same manner as did transfer tank 24 of system 10. Cation exchange resin regeneration system 508 further includes a second transfer tank 614 which is in operative association with uppermost chamber 603 a of exchange column 600. A fluid inlet conduit 616 includes a pump P618 and a valve V620, and extends from second transfer tank 614 to fluid inlet 622 in uppermost chamber 603 a. A media outlet conduit 624 including valve V626 includes a further valve V628 and communicates to second transfer tank 614.

Operatively coupled to second transfer tank 614 is an accumulator tank 630. Accumulator tank 630 is adapted to receive contact media through conduit 632 including valve V634 from second transfer tank 24, and to return fluid through conduit 636 including pump P638 and valves V640 and V642 to second transfer tank 614. Operatively associated with accumulator tank 630 is a final transfer loop, indicated generally at 644. Transfer loop 644 includes a fluid transfer conduit 646, including a pump P648 and a valve V650, coupled to accumulator tank 630. Transfer loop 644 further includes an outlet conduit 652 including a valve V654. Each conduit 646 and 652 extends to a removable resin exchange tank 656 suitable for use in transporting the regenerated resin to another facility, or to another desired use location. Resin to be treated in cation exchange resin regeneration system 508 will be introduced into the system from an exchange tank 658 of exhausted resin which can be selectively introduced and removed from system 508 (as can exchange tank 656). When coupled in this system, exchange tank 658 will couple to a resin transfer conduit 660 which provides a resin inlet to unloading tank 662. Exchange tank 658 also is connected to a fluid inlet conduit 664 including a pump P666 and a valve V668.

As with fluid treatment system 10, resin will be fluidized through action of a pump which causes the resin to move through a first conduit, and the resin will be restrained from entering a fluid return conduit returning to the pump and providing a fluid loop. Such fluid paths will be established as described herein by selective manipulation of valves. As with the previously described systems, all valves and the manifolds may be manually operated, but preferably would be operated automatically, such as through use of a conventionally known mechanism such as microprocessor controls or pneumatic controls.

The operation of cation exchange resin regeneration system 508 will be explained in regard to these components and other components depicted in FIG. 16. When an exchange tank 658 of exhausted resin to be treated is introduced into system 508, and when treatment is to begin, water may be introduced from water recovery tank (518 in FIG. 15) into unloading tank 662 through a conduit 672 (connection to water recovery tank not illustrated). Valves V670, V674, V676, and V680 may then be closed, while valves V668 and V678 are opened. Pump P666 will then be actuated to circulate fluid from unloading tank 662 through conduit 664 and exchange tank 658 to transfer the resin therein into unloading tank 662. Once a sufficient volume of resin is within unloading tank 662 (which may require one or more resin supplies from exchange tanks, as depicted at 658) regeneration may be begun on the resin within unloading tank 662. Each valve V682-V694 in fluid inlet manifold 608 will be closed and valve V676 in fluid inlet to unloading tank 662 will be opened. Pump P696 will then be actuated to circulate fluid to cause removal of the resin from unloading tank 662 through conduit 698, and the transfer of such resin, through valve V700 to first transfer tank 612.

When the resin from unloading tank 662 has been transferred into first transfer tank 612, pump P696 will be deactivated and valves V702 and V700 will be closed. Pump 704 may then be actuated to move fluid through conduit 706 and opened valve V708 to fluidize resin in first transfer tank 612 and to move the resin through opened valve V706 and conduit 708 into resin inlet manifold 604. Valve V710 will be opened to allow resin to be transferred into lowermost chamber 603 h in exchange column 600.

As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, cation exchange resin regeneration system 508 is especially well-suited to continuous operation. Accordingly, resin in various stages of treatment will typically be contained within various chambers 603 a-h within exchange column 600. Acid regenerant (from acid regenerant supply 504, via conduit 561) will be admitted into exchange column 600 through inlet conduit 724 and valve V726. As the regenerant (which will typically be exhausted after passing through the entirety of exchange column 600), has traversed each chamber of exchange column 600, it will pass through outlet conduit 728 and outlet valve V730 into waste neutralization tank 520.

As described with respect to fluid system 10, resin being regenerated will be periodically be transferred upwardly through the chambers in exchange column 600. For example, when resin within uppermost chamber 603 a has been removed, as will be described in more detail later herein, pump 696 may be actuated, and valve V694 in fluid inlet manifold 608 may be opened, along with valve V744 in resin outlet manifold 606, to allow the fluid to fluidize resin within bed 603 b and to cause that resin to be removed through resin outlet manifold 606, and introduced into first transfer tank 612. Once such transfer is complete, pump 704 may be actuated, and valves V708, V706, and V745 (in resin inlet manifold 604), may be opened to allow the resin previously contained within bed 603 b to be transferred into bed 603 a.

The removal of resin from bed 603 a will be accomplished through actuation of pump P618, and the opening of valves of V620 and V626, which will allow transfer of resin from bed 603 a into second transfer tank 614. As will be readily appreciated, resin within second transfer tank 614 will still contain a supply of regenerant. This regenerant may be drained through opening of valve V772 allowed to pass into conduit 780 and returned to acid regenerant mixing vessel 546. Subsequently, pump P638 may be actuated to cause transfer of resin within second transfer tank 614 into accumulator tank 630. In accumulator tank 630, the resin will preferably be rinsed with a volume of pure, deionized water supplied through conduit 776 with water supplied from facility treatment system 502, through conduit 544. Water traversing accumulator tank 630 during such rinse cycle may be passed through conduit 782 (which may contain a valve) to conduit 784 and to water recovery tank 518 for use in subsequent operations. As is apparent from FIG. 16, the acid regenerant fluid used to transfer resin between exchange column 600 and first and second transfer tanks 612 and 614 may be returned through conduit 790 to acid regenerant mixing tank 546.

After such rinsing is complete, the regenerated resin may be transferred from accumulator tank 630 through loop 644. Actuation of pump 648 and opening of valves V650 and V654 will allow the resin to be transferred into tank 656, along the path previously described herein.

As with the fluid treatment systems described with respect to FIGS. 1-14, contact media regeneration system 500 transfers the resin through the system without passing the resin through a pump. This offers significant advantages in that it avoids subjecting the resin to the crushing or fracturing forces typically exerted upon resins or other contact media if such resins are allowed to flow through pumps.

The operation of anion exchange resin regeneration system 510, as depicted in FIG. 17, is essentially identical to that described with respect to cation exchange resin regeneration system 508, with the exception that a caustic regenerant from conduit 686 in caustic regenerant supply 506 will be utilized in place of fluid from acid regenerant supply 504. Accordingly, the structure and operation of anion exchange resin regeneration system 510 will not be duplicated here. However, understanding of the operation of anionic resin regeneration system 510 may be had by reference to the description for cationic regeneration system 508, with the addition of “200” to each reference numeral (i.e., exchange column 600 in cation exchange resin regeneration system 508 is identified as exchange column 800 in anion exchange resin regeneration system 510).

As previously noted, contact media regeneration system 500 includes a generally conventional separation system 512 to allow separation of mixed cation and anion exchange resin mixed beds for regeneration. Separation system 512, as depicted in FIG. 18, includes a mixed media supply tank 1000 coupled, through appropriate conduits, and adapted for transfer through use of pump P1002, to a transparent separation chamber 1004. The placing of mixed media resin slugs within a fluidic environment will typically result in a general separation of the anion and cation exchange resins due to their different specific gravities. Accordingly, resins may be visually observed, and selectively transferred through use of pump 1006 and resin outlet conduit 1008 to either cation resin tank 1010 or anion resin tank 1012 in a conventional manner. Generally, care will be taken to minimize the transfer of resin proximate an interface, where both anion and cation exchange resins will typically be found. Such intermixed resin slugs may be removed from vessel 1004, and subsequently reintroduced and allowed to undergo separation with subsequent introductions of resin slugs. Once the resins are separated into tanks 1010 and 1012, resins may be transferred through use of pump 1014 in conduit 1016, through selective actuation of valves 1018 and 1020, as well as of appropriate valves within mixed media cation exchange resin regeneration system 514 and mixed media anion exchange resin regeneration system 516 to transfer resins into each system. These systems, mixed media cation exchange resin regeneration system 514 and mixed media anion exchange resin regeneration system 516 are essentially identical to cation exchange resin regeneration system 508 and anion exchange resin regeneration system 510 respectively. Accordingly, understanding of these sections may be had by reference to such sections, with corresponding elements depicted in FIG. 15 illustrated by prime numerals (i.e., exchange column 600 of cation resin regeneration system 508 is identified as element 600′ of mixed media cation resin regeneration system 514, etc.).

Many modifications and variations may be made in the techniques and structures described herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. For example, designs and configurations may be envisioned wherein fluids and solids may be moved with either a greater or lesser number of pumps. Additionally, a large number of conduit configurations may be envisioned to perform the methods claimed herein. Further, transfer vessels of various sizes, shapes, and arrangements, and various cooperations with different manifolds may be envisioned within the scope of the present invention Accordingly, the preceding description and figures are illustrative only and are not to be considered as limitations on the scope of the present invention. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A system for the regeneration of contact media, comprising: a treatment vessel having a plurality of vertically arranged chambers, each chamber having a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet said fluid inlet being located at a position above said fluid outlet, said chambers for containing volumes of said contact media to be regenerated, said chambers defined by members adapted to retain a volume of said contact media within the chamber while allowing the downward flow of fluid through said contact media; a fluid inlet for treatment fluid to direct said treatment fluid proximate the top of the uppermost chamber of said plurality of chambers; and a transfer tank operatively coupled through at least one manifold to said chambers, said treatment tank and said manifold cooperatively arranged to allow the movement of said volumes of said resin from at least one of said chambers to said transfer tank, and the subsequent movement of resin from said transfer tank to a different of said chambers.
 2. A system for contacting a fluid with a particulate solid, comprising: a treatment vessel having a plurality of vertically aligned chambers, said chambers defined by apertures adapted to retain a volume of said particulate solid within the chamber while allowing the flow of fluid therethrough, each chamber for holding a volume of said particulate solid; a fluid inlet for said fluid to direct said fluid proximate the top of said uppermost chamber of said plurality of chambers; a first manifold; a transfer tank; a first plurality of conduits, said conduits distributed to direct fluid between said first manifold and one of said chambers; a second manifold; a second plurality of conduits, said conduits distributed to direct fluid between said second manifold and one of said chambers; a third plurality of conduits distributed to direct fluid between said second manifold and said transfer tank; a first pump having its output communicatively coupled to said first manifold; a first valve coupled to said transfer tank and to the input of said first pump, for controlling the flow of fluid out of said transfer tank; a second valve coupled to said transfer tank; and a second pump having an output coupled to said second valve, for controlling the flow of fluid into said transfer tank.
 3. A system for the regeneration of anionic and cationic contact media, comprising: a source of caustic regeneration fluid for regenerating said anionic contact media; a supply of acidic regeneration fluid for regenerating said anionic contact media; a first exchange column in fluid communication with said source of caustic regeneration fluid for bringing said caustic regeneration fluid into contact with said anion contact media, said exchange column including a plurality of vertically arranged chambers, said chambers defined by members adapted to retain volumes of said contact media within each chamber while allowing fluid to pass downwardly between chambers while generally promoting compacting of said contact media; means for transferring volumes of said contact media between said chambers in said exchange column; a second exchange column in fluid communication with said source of acid regeneration fluid for bringing said acid regeneration fluid into contact with said cation contact media, said second exchange column including a plurality of vertically arranged chambers, said chambers defined by members adapted to retain volumes of said contact media within each chamber while allowing fluid to pass downwardly between chambers while generally promoting compacting of said contact media; and means for transferring volumes of said contact media between said chambers in said exchange column.
 4. A system for contacting fluid with a generally particulate solid, comprising: a treatment vessel having a plurality of vertically arranged chambers, each chamber having a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet, said fluid inlet being located at a position above said fluid outlet, said chambers for containing volumes of said particulate solid, said chambers defined by members adapted to retain a volume of said solid within the chamber while allowing the flow of fluid therethrough; a fluid inlet for said fluid to direct said fluid into the uppermost chamber of said plurality of chambers; and a transfer tank operatively coupled through at least one manifold to said chambers, said treatment tank and said manifold cooperatively arranged to allow the movement of said volumes of said particulate solid from at least one of said chambers to said transfer tank, and the subsequent movement of said solid from said transfer tank to a different set of chambers. 